Abstract
Introduction. Thymic hyperplasia is a rare condition caused by increase in
cellular thymic mass, and in some cases is associated with pure red cell
aplasia (PRCA). Case report. The patient, an 18-year-old female, was
referred to hematologist due to severe transfusion dependent anemia. After
full hematological work up included bone marrow biopsy a diagnosis of PRCA
was made. Immunological and virological analyses were unremarkable. With
history of myasthenia gravis in family and known association between this
condition and thymoma, a chest magnet resonance imaging was performed
revealing thymic hyperplasia, with successful clinical outcome after total
thymectomy using video-assisted thoracic surgery approach. Pathohistological
examination confirmed thymus hyperplasia with a simple intrathymic cyst.
Following thymectomy, after 3 months the patient's hemoglobin values
normalized which still persist. Conclusion. Acquired thymic hyperplasia is
associated with the occurrence of autoimmune disorders. Our findings support
the role of thymectomy in PRCA associated with thymic hyperplasia, but
further research is needed to optimize management strategies for this
rarity.
Publisher
National Library of Serbia